Haslam Proposes More Anti-meth Cold Medication Restrictions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam is proposing legislation that would require a prescription for more than a 20-day supply of cold medicines that are used to make methamphetamine.

In a press event that wrapped up just a few minutes ago the governor said that the bill is meant target the purchase of large amounts of medicines from a variety of stores, a practice known as "smurfing."

The monthly amount of cold medicines - like Sudafed - that could be purchased without a prescription is the equivalent to the average total purchased by Tennesseans each year.

Williamson County Rep Glen Casada told WMOT recently that he isn’t likely to support any additional restrictions.

“I feel strongly that we should not drive up health care costs by forcing you and I and our families to go to a doctor to get a common cold medication. And I think most Tennesseans feel that way as well.”

In announcing the new measure, Haslam's office noted that 268 Tennessee children were removed from their homes last year due to meth-related incidents and nearly 1,700 meth labs were seized.